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River Conditions

River conditions can vary dramatically, depending on when and where you paddle along the trail’s 190 miles of waterway. Speed and river depth in any location can change drastically throughout the year. Weather, season, physical features and hazards can play a role.
For your safety, ALWAYS check a river gauge in the area you plan to paddle. And check conditions before putting in.
NOAA Online River Gauge Tool

A river gauge measures water level and flow. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers an online tool with current and projected water levels for up to three days, based on predicted weather conditions. The online readings are updated every 15 minutes and include helpful graphs, showing trends.

NOAA OBSERVATIONS NY

Use the button above to link to access the NOAA Water Prediction Service to locate the station and conditions nearest to where you plan to travel. You can also click the links at left to access water data for the locations listed.

PLEASE NOTE: Flooding levels, including the “Action” level which precedes flooding, on these gauges are significantly higher than what would be considered safe conditions for paddling. When in doubt,  consult local outfitters or river experts.

RIVER GAUGE HEIGHT

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER:

CHEMUNG RIVER:

RIVER FLOW

As noted above, weather, time of year, physical features and other factors can affect the river flow.  Rivers are rated according to the International Scale of River Difficulty. Ratings can change with fluctuations in river flow. 

Important facts to keep in mind:

WHITEWATER: This describes a stretch of river where there is enough flow and rocks to create breaking waves.

Rapids Classification:

  • Class I rapids describe fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Typically, there are few obstructions, all are obvious and easily avoided with little training.

  • Class II rapids are straightforward, with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily avoided by trained paddlers.
  • Class III rapids are moderately difficult. More high, irregular waves. Rocks, eddies with narrow passages require some experience. Open canoes without floatation bags may have difficulty.
  • Class IV rapids are considered difficult, with longer more powerful stretches that may include souse holes and boiling eddies. Precise, powerful maneuvering required. Canoes cannot be run.

Rapids are classified using the international scale of river difficulty. Created by the American Whitewater Association, the system rates the challenge of navigating a stretch of river or single whitewater rapid.

SEASONAL CONDITIONS

  • The highest water flow (speed and level) typically occurs between February and May.  This typically increases difficulty, due to faster current and increased hazard risks (bridges, floodwater debris, low-hanging tree branches).
  • Avoid putting in or paddling through muddy water. It prevents seeing or navigating objects and hazards beneath the surface.
  • Low water levels in July and August can cause vessels to get stuck on sandbars or rocks and may damage your boat. Always wear proper footwear should you need to drag your boat across shallow sections. Be on the lookout for dry banks and muddy sandbars.
  • Always put a stick in at the water’s edge. If the river is rising, do not put in.

ADDITIONAL RIVER GAUGE RESOURCES